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Eagles' defensive players with the most to gain once pads come on
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- Eagles' defensive players with the most to gain once pads come on
The Philadelphia Eagles can learn only so much from helmets, shorts, and non-contact practices.
Training camp changes once the pads come on. That is when defensive linemen can show power, linebackers can prove they can fit the run, defensive backs can tackle, and young players can make a stronger case on special teams. For a roster with established stars and several competitive position battles, padded practices will help separate camp buzz from players who can actually help Vic Fangio's defense.
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Here are six Eagles defensive players with the most to gain once padded practices begin.
Byron Young
Young has already generated offseason attention, but padded practices give him a better chance to prove his role is real.
The Eagles have a crowded interior defensive line room led by Jalen Carter , Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo . Still, Young has the size, strength, and first-team spring work to make him one of the more interesting defensive linemen in camp. Non-contact practices can show alignment, get-off, and conditioning. Pads reveal whether a defensive tackle can anchor, shed blocks, finish, and hold up against double teams.
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That is where Young can gain ground.
Philadelphia needs interior depth that can survive early downs and keep Carter from carrying too much of the burden. If Young shows he can play with leverage, collapse pockets, and handle the physical work against the run, he can move from an intriguing depth piece to a legitimate rotational defensive tackle.
Jalyx Hunt
Hunt is one of the clearest examples of a player who should benefit from padded work.
The Eagles know he has athletic ability, length, and pass-rush upside, but edge rushers are difficult to fully evaluate before contact begins. Once pads come on, Hunt can show whether his speed, hands, and power have developed enough to translate into consistent wins against NFL tackles. That matters because Philadelphia's edge rotation has several moving pieces. Jonathan Greenard , Nolan Smith , Arnold Ebiketie , and A.J. Epenesa are all part of the group, but Hunt has the upside to force a larger role if he proves he can win in multiple ways.
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The key will be run defense and finishing. Hunt does not need to dominate every rep, but if he sets a firm edge, converts speed to power, and shows more control at the top of the rush, he can strengthen his case for meaningful defensive snaps.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Trotter is built for the part of camp that gets physical. Linebackers can look clean in spring practices when contact is limited, but their real evaluation starts when they have to take on blocks, fit gaps, tackle, and react through traffic. Trotter's instincts and pedigree have always been part of his appeal, and padded practices give him a chance to show that he can be more than a depth linebacker.
The Eagles have Zack Baun established and Jihaad Campbell entering his second season, but the linebacker room still has snaps and roles to sort through. Trotter can help himself by playing downhill, communicating well, and showing that he can hold up in coverage without losing his physical edge.
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Special teams will also matter. If Trotter can become a core special teams player while proving he deserves defensive trust, his role in 2026 could grow quickly.
Michael Carter II
Carter is one of the most fascinating players on the roster because the Eagles have looked at him at safety. He has built his career primarily as a nickel cornerback, but Philadelphia's secondary has enough corner depth that safety versatility could become his best path to a larger role. Padded practices will help determine whether that transition is realistic.
Playing safety is not just about coverage range. Carter has to show he can communicate, tackle, fit the run, and handle angles from deeper alignments. Those details become more visible when practices become more physical.
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If Carter proves he can handle safety duties while still offering nickel value, he could give Fangio an important chess piece. The Eagles have Andrew Mukuba , Marcus Epps , and other safeties in the mix, but Carter's versatility could allow Philadelphia to disguise coverages and create more flexibility on game day.
Keyshawn James-Newby
James-Newby is the kind of rookie edge rusher who needs pads.
The former New Mexico standout is fighting from the bottom of a deep outside linebacker room, which means flashes matter. In non-contact work, he can show burst and movement skills. In pads, he has to show whether he can actually rush through contact, set the edge, and finish plays.
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His best path is effort, disruption, and special teams. The Eagles do not need him to look like a finished product in August, but they need to see traits worth developing. If James-Newby can make tackles in pursuit, win a few one-on-one pass-rush reps, and show he belongs in the kicking game, he can push for practice squad priority.
For players on the roster fringe, padded practices and preseason games are everything. James-Newby has to make his reps difficult to ignore.
Shaun Wade
Wade enters camp as an experienced defensive back in a crowded secondary, and pads can help him show why he should stay in the conversation. The Eagles have a deep defensive back room with Quinyon Mitchell , Cooper DeJean , Riq Woolen , Kelee Ringo , Jakorian Bennett , Jonathan Jones , Mac McWilliams , Michael Carter II, Tariq Castro-Fields, Ambry Thomas , Kapena Gushiken, and others competing for roles. Wade's case will depend on versatility, tackling, and special teams value.
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Padded practices give him a chance to show he can play with physicality in coverage, handle bigger receivers, tackle in space, and contribute beyond defense. Wade has the size and experience to help himself if he consistently makes smart, reliable plays.
His path is not easy, but the Eagles will need depth in the secondary. If Wade can play corner, nickel or safety in certain packages while helping on special teams, he can make the final defensive back decisions more difficult.
Bottom line
Padded practices will matter for every Eagles defender, but they are especially important for players trying to define roles.
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Young can prove he belongs in the defensive tackle rotation. Hunt can show his pass-rush growth is ready to translate. Trotter can make a case for more linebacker snaps. Carter can prove safety versatility is more than an offseason experiment. James-Newby can earn developmental priority. Wade can use experience and physicality to stay alive in a deep secondary.
The Eagles already have high-end defensive talent. Once the pads come on, they will find out which depth pieces are ready to help.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' defensive players with the most to gain once pads come on
